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The Marauder was first built by General Motors in 2612 for use as an attack and direct fire support BattleMech. The first 'Mech to diverge from the traditional humanoid shape of previous machines, the Marauder was one of the most well-known 'Mechs in existence and originally meant to usher in a new generation of 'Mechs. Unfortunately, with the fall of the Star League, this new generation never quite materialized. On its own merits though, the Marauder was a devastatingly powerful 'Mech, outclassed only by larger machines like the Stalker and BattleMaster.[6][7]

During the years of the Star League the Marauder was a favorite in the Gunslinger Program thanks to its tremendous firepower, while its advanced electronics endeared it to many battalion and regimental commanders. On the hellish battlefields of the Succession Wars, massed formations of Marauders proved devastating as shock units in breaking through enemy lines. However, the rarity of these 'Mechs (House Liao only fielded several hundred Marauders total in 2828) often meant they had to be paired with other, similar 'Mechs such as the Warhammer and Thunderbolt.[6][7]

A second revitalization of the Marauder occurred at the hands of the Capellan Confederation, though notably they had never before built the 'Mech themselves. On behalf of Ceres Metals Industries, the Chancellor himself, Sun-Tzu Liao, negotiated a deal to acquire the design from General Motors in exchange for allowing HildCo Interplanetary to resume exporting its products to the Federated Suns. While a success, disturbing rumors from the Periphery reported a number of these seemingly backwater realms fielding updated Marauders of their own, with origins suspected to be of a sinister nature.[9]

Standing at twelve meters tall,[10] the Marauder carried a payload dedicated to long-range firepower in the form of two Magna HellstarPPCs and a General Motors WhirlwindAutocannon/5. These three weapons all had similar range profiles that allowed the Marauder use them to their maximum effect at long ranges. The PPCs were carried in armored gauntlets, matching the same configuration as the Warhammer, but the arms' versatile ball-and-socket joints provided a faster traverse rate and superior field of fire. Compact enough to be carried in the arms, the Hellstar PPCs were also durable enough to withstand heavy hand-to-hand combat, allowing the Marauder to bludgeon opponents into scrap. Firing a three-round burst of 120mm shells,[11] the autocannon was mounted atop the right torso and fed by one ton of ammunition stored in the left torso. Added as an afterthought, its connection to the main chassis was tenuous and a successful hit could easily disable the system, while the gun itself was often temperamental. If the enemy was able to close the range, the Marauder could rely on its two Magna Mk IIMedium Lasers, also mounted in the gauntlets, which provided adequate defense against other 'Mechs.[6][7]

The once-unique silhouette of the Marauder made it much harder to target than the more common humanoid models. It also originally carried eleven and a half tons of special Valiant Lamellor armor which was less massive and superior at distributing kinetic and thermal energy than other standard armor types. As the knowledge for its manufacture was lost though, many Marauders became a patchwork quilt as sections were damaged and had to be replaced. Sixteen heat sinks easily allowed a competent MechWarrior to keep their waste heat under control, while a powerful nineteen-ton fusion engine gave it a decent cruising speed of 43.2 km/h.[6][7]

The Marauder was not without its flaws, potent though it was. In addition to the weak linkage between its autocannon and chassis, the rotation rings connecting the chassis with the leg assemblies was a similar weak point in the design. Many Marauder pilots took to mounting improvised armoring around these points in an attempt to protect these vulnerabilities. The powerful HiRez tracking system, located in the forward section of the 'Mech, was also known for impeding the pilot's field of view.[6]

The 3D Marauder was a modification of the 'Mech introduced for House Davion in 2834 which removed its ammunition dependency. In order to do this, the 3D replaced the Autocannon/5 and with a Large Laser. The saved weight was used to add four more heat sinks to the 'Mech to handle the added heat burden from the large laser.[6][17] BV (1.0) = 1,136,[18] BV (2.0) = 1,470[19][20]

MAD-3L

Built for House Liao in 2905, the 3L attempted to make the Marauder more heat efficient (and make up for a shortage in reliable PPCs) by replacing one of the arm-mounted particle cannons with a large laser. Additionally, two more heat sinks were added to further increase the Marauder's heat efficiency.[6][21] BV (1.0) = 1,098,[22] BV (2.0) = 1,369[19][23]

MAD-3M

The 3M was introduced in 2873 specially for the Free Worlds League. Because of the abundance of large lasers built by that realm, the 3M model carried two large lasers in place of the PPCs. While running cooler than the weapons they replaced, the large lasers also caused slightly less damage. Additionally, the 3M added four heat sinks to the design, making the 'Mech much more manageable for pilots who have trouble with overheating their 'Mechs.[6][24] BV (1.0) = 1,105,[25] BV (2.0) = 1,335[19][26]

MAD-3R (C)

A Clan-tech retrofit of the classic MAD-3R Marauder, designed for use by second-line garrison and solahma forces, the Marauder C replaced some of the Inner Spheroid weaponry with Clan equivalents. The Marauder C swapped the PPCs for a pair of Clan-tech Large Pulse Lasers and the standard autocannon for a Ultra AC/5 model, but retained the IS medium lasers. The munitions for the autocannon were also protected with CASE.[27] BV (2.0) = 1,616[28]

MAD-4X

This experimental variant was made at Ronin Incorporated's facility on Wallis in 3039. Techs removed the standard weaponry from a Marauder and replaced the arm mounted weapons with a Binary Laser Cannon in each arm, while the torso mounted autocannon was replaced by twin SRM-6 launchers backed by one ton of ammunition. The Marauder-4X was also noteworthy because it used a Prototype Endo Steel chassis. To keep the heat under control, technicians installed twelve single heat sinks and six prototype Double Heat Sinks.[29]

MAD-5D

The 5D Marauder was the first updated variant to be designed in the wake of the Helm Memory Core recovery, coming off the factory lines in 3051. A direct upgrade of the 3D model, the 5D's engine was replaced with a General Motors 300 XL Engine, retaining the same speed profile at a much-reduced weight, to allow the entire weapons payload to be stripped out and upgraded. The 5D's primary weapons were two Defiance 1001 ER PPCs, carried in either arm, supported by a Sutel Precision LineLarge Pulse Laser in place of the autocannon. The medium lasers were replaced with two Sutel Precision Line Medium Pulse Lasers, while a Federated SuperStreakStreak SRM-2 launcher was also added to the left torso, along with one ton of CASE-protected ammo, for more close-range firepower. The model was protected by fourteen tons of armor, mostly added to the legs and side torsos, and carried sixteen double heat sinks for heat management. It also had a jumping capability of up to 120 meters thanks to four jump jets mounted in its legs. When the Kuritans captured Quentin, Independence Weaponry began building the 5D to augment their forces; unwilling to completely let go of the design, General Motors also built the 5D for FedCom forces out of Kathil.[8][30] BV (1.0) = 1,504,[18] BV (2.0) = 1,787[31]

MAD-5L

The 5L variant of the 'Mech was the first natively-produced Marauder variant for the Capellan Confederation. Introduced in early July 3067 and built from the Ceres Metals factories on Warlock and Capella, the 5L removed the entire weapons payload of the original and upgraded its weapons, armor, and heat sinks. Built on a Ceres Metals Lite chassis with a Rawlings 300 fusion engine, the 'Mech was armored with fourteen tons of Ceres Heavy Stealth Armor backed up by a Guardian ECM Suite. The 'Mech carried two MartellER Large Lasers and two Ceres ArmsER Medium Lasers in its arms and, in place of the autocannon, a Ceres Arms WarriorER PPC. The heat from the 5L's all-energy arsenal was handled by eighteen double heat sinks. Additionally, the 5L was built using Triple Strength Myomer, allowing the 'Mech to run at speeds of up to 86 km/h when it was operating in its optimum heat range. The electronics were also replaced with a Ceres Metals Model 666 comms system and Ceres Bullseye tracking system. [32][33] BV (1.0) = 1,614,[22] BV (2.0) = 2,286[34]

MAD-5M

The 5M variant of the Marauder was introduced in 3051 by Ronin Inc. and Free Worlds Defense Industries for the Free Worlds League. Compared to the original it replaced the standard fusion engine with an XL Engine and completely re-armed the 'Mech with recovered Star League-era weapons. The primary weapons were two Tronel PPL-20Large Pulse Lasers, backed up by two Magna 400PMedium Pulse Lasers, in either arm. Finally, in place of the Autocannon/5, the 5M carried a Oriente Model OLB-X Autocannon/10. The 5M had a jumping distance of up to one hundred and twenty meters thanks to four jump jets mounted in the legs and carried sixteen double heat sinks. One ton of ammunition for the LB-X was carried in the left torso and protected by CASE.[8][35] BV (1.0) = 1,391,[25] BV (2.0) = 1,471[36]

MAD-5R

The Marauder 5R was an upgrade of the 3R model introduced in 3068. The 'Mech carried an XL engine to save weight and its heat sinks upgraded to double-strength models. The PPCs were replaced with two ER PPCs and the Autocannon/5 upgraded to a Rotary Autocannon/5; the two medium lasers of the original were retained. Also, for added protection, the 5R mounted fourteen tons of armor and a Guardian ECM Suite. The 'Mech also carries a C3 Slave unit that allows the 'Mech to transmit targeting data to its lance mates.[37] BV (1.0) = 1,548 (C3: 279),[18] BV (2.0) = 1,877[38]

MAD-5S

The 5S variant of the Marauder dates to the Clan Invasion, introduced in 3051 by Bowie Industries after the Draconis Combine captured plans for the 5D design. The variant was built around an XL engine to save weight and upgraded the heat sinks to double-strength models. Like the 5D, the 5S carried ER PPCs and medium pulse lasers, but replaced the autocannon with a Poland Main Model AGauss Rifle. One ton of ammunition for this powerful, long-ranged weapon was carried in the left torso.[39] BV (1.0) = 1,466,[18][40] BV (2.0) = 1,799[41]

MAD-5T

The 5T variant of the Marauder featured elements of both the 5M and the 5R models when it was introduced in 3068. The 5T was built around an Endo Steel chassis and an XL engine to save weight. The 'Mech carries, as its primary weapons, two large pulse lasers, backed up by two medium pulse lasers and a Rotary Autocannon/5 in the torso mount. The weapons are all linked to an advanced Targeting Computer, making the 5T incredibly accurate. Finally, the 5T is protected by fourteen tons of armor.[42] BV (1.0) = 1,390,[18] BV (2.0) = 1,750[43]

MAD-6L

An upgrade of the 5L introduced in 3070, the 6L replaced the lasers with a pair of Ceres Arms CrusherPlasma Rifles. The particle cannon was also downgraded to a standard Hellstar PPC. The Stealth Armor and attendant Guardian ECM Suite and Triple Strength Myomers were retained, though three less double heat sinks were used.[44][45][46] BV (2.0) = 2,322[47]

MAD-7D

Another Davion upgrade of the Marauder, the 7D was built in 3068 with an XL engine to save weight. The 'Mech was armed with two ER large lasers and two ER medium lasers, as well as a Rotary Autocannon/5. These were all linked to a Targeting Computer, making the 7D extremely accurate. The 'Mech also carried an ECM Suite for protection against electronic warfare equipment and was armored with fourteen tons of armor.[48] BV (1.0) = 1,582,[18] BV (2.0) = 1,986[49]

A departure from the standard Marauder design philosophy, the 3068 9M is built using an XL engine and twelve and a half tons of Valiant ChainmailFerro-Fibrous armor. The 'Mech carries, as its primary weapons, four ER Large Lasers for long-range combat. In the event that the 'Mech closes, it has two Guided Technologies 2nd GenerationStreak SRM-6 launchers. The 9M also carries TAG to designate targets for Arrow IV artillery strikes and an ECM Suite for protection against electronic warfare systems.[51] BV (1.0) = 1,383,[25] BV (2.0) = 1,704[52]

The 9S Marauder is built in 3068 with a Light Fusion Engine and an Endo Steel chassis to save weight. The 9S also used double heat sinks to handle its heat intensive weapons payload. The 9S carried two ER PPCs as its primary weapons as well as an LB-X Autocannon/10 for long-range combat. For close ranges, the 9S was equipped with two ER medium lasers and a Flamer. The 9S was also equipped with exceptional electronic systems including an ECM Suite and a Beagle Active Probe.[56] BV (1.0) = 1,403,[40] BV (2.0) = 1,786[57]

Dual Cockpit refits: The Marauder was one of the Free Worlds League's preferred 'Mechs to install Dual Cockpits. Standard refits usually install the Dual Cockpit on a MAD-3M or MAD-5D, removing one heat sink.

The personal ‘Mech of 12th Vegan Rangers Alpha Regiment commander MargraveSheridan Douglass during the DCMS's Third Succession War invasion of Galtor III, only the arm mounted medium lasers remain, with each PPC replaced by a large laser and the autocannon swapped for a pair of SRM-4 launchers with a shared ton of reloads. The remaining weight and space was devoted to five additional heat sinks and three extra tons of armor. BV (2.0) = 1,459[60]

Bounty Hunter model (3015)

This unusual variant piloted by the Bounty Hunter featured various lostech equipment: the standard 300 Vlar fusion engine was downgrade to a 225-rated version giving it a top speed of 54 kph. It mounted a standard PPC and a Medium Laser in each arm while another PPC and medium laser were mounted on the right torso; additional medium lasers were mounted in the center and left torso. Sixteen double heat sinks were use to cool this beast down, allowing it to firing all 3 PPCs without even generating excess heat. It featured fourteen and a half tons of standard armor, giving it maximum armor for it's weight, and was capable of jumping over 90 meters with three jump jets. It was also painted all green with credit symbols. BV (1.0) = 1,686 BV (2.0) = 1,919[61]

Bounty Hunter model (3044)

The Bounty Hunter upgraded his Marauder sometime in 3044. The fusion engine was upgrade to an extra-light version while keeping it at the same rating to save weight, though the increased size meant three heat sinks had to be removed. The standard PPCs were upgrade to ER PPCs, both the left and right torso-mounted medium lasers were removed while the center torso medium laser was moved to the head to make room for a Gauss Rifle on the right torso and two tons of ammunition. This upgrade allowed the Bounty Hunter to engage enemies at a far greater range while still able to continuously operate without fear of overheating. BV (1.0) = 1,788 BV (2.0) = 2,103[62]

Bandersnatch - Designed by Felifious Bander, the Bandersnatch was designed with a similar profile and weapons layout to the Marauder, and maintains common components to ease repair and allow an excess of spare parts. The Bandersnatch mounts an LB 10-X AC and a pair of Medium Lasers in each arm. The 'Mech also mounts a trio of LRM 5s and a pair of Medium Lasers in the torso.[63]

Dragon Fire - The Dragon Fire is among a series of Star League-era Marauder-series BattleMechs. However, the Dragon Fire never reached full-scale production due to the Amaris Civil War. The Dragon Fire replaces the energy-weapon heavy Marauder armament with an LB 10-X AC, a Gauss Rifle, and an assortment of torso-mounted lasers.[65]

Maelstrom - The Maelstrom is among a series of Star League-era Marauder-series BattleMechs. The Amaris Civil War curtailed the production of the Maelstrom, making the BattleMech rare until plans were rediscovered with the Gray Death Memory Core. The Maelstrom maintains a heavy array of energy weapons, highlighted by an ER PPC and an ER Large Laser. The Maelstrom also mounts TAG.[66]

Timber Wolf - When Operation Revival first started, the then-unknown invaders used 'Mechs not recognized by targeting systems. One such instance involved a confused targeting system identifying a Timber Wolf as either a MAD-series Marauder or CAT-series Catapult, due to physical similarities to both. After-action analysis of the data recording resulted in the Timber Wolf being dubbed with the operational name "Mad Cat" by Inner Sphere forces.

Valdis Kevlavic: colonel and commanding officer of kuritan occupation forces in planet Verthandi, in 3025 used his mech to demolish an entire village, Mountain Vista, crushing a sniper under his foot. Later, in his mech lead the combats against the mercenaries of Gray Death Legion, without too success. Badly wounded by Grayson's mech, he loses one arm, and was confined to a hospital. Ironically, during this time, Grayson's stole his mech during his unit assault to Verthandi's capital.

"Black" Kevin Langstrom retrieved and piloted the Black Marauder; rumors raised questions as to who was piloting whom with the pair as the tales portray the 'Mech as possessed, or an evil demonic entity.

The Marauder BattleMech is one of the most iconic early BattleMechs featured in BattleTech (and previously Battledroids). Marauder miniatures have been resculpted several times, more recently due to legal disputes. The original Marauder artwork and figures are unseen, bearing striking resemblance to Zentradi Officer's Battle Pods (Roiquonmi Glaug Battle Pod) from the anime series The Super Dimension Fortress Macross from which they derived. "Reseen" Marauder images have replaced previous artwork, and aspects of the design have influenced artwork and construction for several other BattleMechs.